Sr IP Sales Executive

Posted:
8/20/2026, 8:32:38 AM

Location(s):
California, United States ⋅ Banning, California, United States ⋅ New Mexico, United States

Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Sales & Account Management

Workplace Type:
On-site

Pay:
$163k–$285k/yr

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

This role is responsible for building, developing, and driving a sales pipeline for Cadence processor IP technology across key accounts in Silicon Valley and beyond.

The successful candidate will develop and manage a sales pipeline while driving market penetration, adoption, and revenue growth. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Application Engineering, Business Unit Marketing, Legal, Finance, Cadence executives, and the Cadence EDA software sales team to achieve regional sales targets.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record selling semiconductor intellectual property (IP) technology to organizations ranging from startups to large enterprises. They should bring a strong understanding of processor technology, including DSPs and AI, along with the hardware and software considerations required to position Cadence processor technology across a broad range of applications and markets. Strong strategic selling experience and demonstrated success closing large ($1M+) license agreements are essential.

Role Responsibilities:

  • Generate, qualify, and advance new business opportunities in the region, including:
    • Pipeline development
    • Opportunity management
    • Leading contract negotiations with customers and Cadence business, legal, and functional teams
    • Meeting or exceeding quarterly and annual revenue targets
  • Clearly articulate the value proposition for adopting Cadence processor technology to key semiconductor customers across executive management, marketing, architecture, hardware engineering, and software engineering stakeholders.
  • Partner with technical and marketing teams to develop and execute regional strategies that accelerate adoption and proliferation of the technology.
  • Provide market and account feedback to the Tensilica Business Unit to inform product roadmaps and go-to-market strategies.
  • Track account activity and provide regular updates to management, business unit leaders, and executive stakeholders on account strategies, progress, and results.
  • Develop and execute strategic sales plans aligned to regional growth objectives.
  • Demonstrate a hands-on, self-starting approach with the initiative and creativity required to drive complex strategic deals.

Key Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience licensing semiconductor IP technology; processor, DSP and/or AI hardware acceleration experience preferred.
  • BSEE or equivalent technical degree required; MBA preferred.
  • Strong technical background with broad understanding of the processor hardware and software ecosystem.
  • Understanding of key markets such as AI, automotive, robotics, audio, wireless, storage, data center, and consumer applications, including application-specific requirements, is a plus.
  • Experience working with both startups and large enterprise accounts to sell complex, differentiated technology solutions.
  • Passion for developing and applying strategic selling skills in a highly technical sales environment.

We’re doing work that matters. Help us solve what others can’t.

Cadence Design Systems

Website: https://www.cadence.com/

Headquarter Location: San Jose, California, United States

Employee Count: 5001-10000

Year Founded: 1988

IPO Status: Public

Industries: Aerospace ⋅ Electronic Design Automation (EDA) ⋅ Hardware ⋅ Mobile ⋅ Semiconductor ⋅ Software

Visa Sponsorship: Sponsors work visas